Cyber Security Engineer

Job Title: Cybersecurity EngineerJob Description

The Cybersecurity Engineer will support system-level security initiatives across multiple Navy Submarine subsystems, focusing on securing Linux-based platforms, containerized environments, and emerging cloud-like architectures. This role suits an engineer who enjoys solving complex, cross-domain problems, working across decentralized systems, and driving security improvements from initial concept through detailed design and implementation. The position offers significant exposure to Red Hat-based Linux security, container security, and enterprise security frameworks, with the opportunity to influence security practices across a broad engineering organization.

Responsibilities

• Drive system-level cybersecurity initiatives across multiple Navy Submarine subsystems from analysis through design and implementation.

• Translate high-level security requirements and frameworks (such as NIST 800-53) into clear, actionable guidance for engineering and development teams.

• Develop, document, and implement security best practices across multiple subsystems and platforms.

• Assess existing subsystem architectures to identify security gaps and recommend improvements and hardening strategies.

• Coordinate with multiple engineering teams to standardize and implement security solutions in a consistent and scalable manner.

• Lead cross-functional security efforts, influencing technical direction and aligning teams around security objectives and priorities.

• Configure, harden, and secure Red Hat-based Linux systems, including RHEL, CentOS, and Fedora environments.

• Implement and tune security tools and controls such as SELinux, USBGuard, firewalld, and related Linux security mechanisms.

• Secure containerized environments using technologies such as Podman, Docker, and Kubernetes, including configuration and policy enforcement.

• Contribute to the design and security of on-premises or cloud-like infrastructures, including PKI and secure communications between systems.

• Develop custom security solutions, scripts, and lightweight toolsprimarily in Python, with some C/C++to enforce, automate, and monitor security controls.

• Design solutions for unique or niche security requirements that arise from specialized system constraints or mission needs.

• Continuously monitor, assess, and respond to evolving threats, including newly discovered vulnerabilities and zero-day exploits.

• Stay current with emerging risks, security advisories, and industry best practices, and proactively propose mitigation strategies.

• Collaborate in ambiguous and complex technical environments, using strong problem-solving skills to resolve security challenges across decentralized systems.

Essential Skills

• Approximately 510+ years of experience in cybersecurity, systems engineering, or Linux administration.

• Strong understanding of Linux operating systems, particularly Red Hat-based environments such as RHEL, CentOS, and Fedora.

• Hands-on experience configuring and securing Linux systems using tools such as SELinux, USBGuard, and firewalld.

• Experience working with security frameworks and compliance standards, including interpreting and applying NIST 800-53 controls.

• Ability to translate high-level security requirements into practical, implementable technical guidance for engineering teams.

• Proven experience working across multiple teams and influencing technical direction in a collaborative environment.

• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and complex technical settings.

• Security+ certification or the ability to obtain it within a defined timeframe.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with container technologies such as Kubernetes, Podman, and Docker, including security configuration and hardening.

• Exposure to cloud or cloud-like architectures, including on-premises or hybrid environments with shared or distributed services.

• Scripting and programming experience, especially in Python, with additional experience in C or C++.

• Familiarity with Rust as a nice-to-have programming skill for security tooling or systems development.

• Understanding of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), digital certificates, and secure system-to-system communication mechanisms.

• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and artifacts as a nice-to-have capability.

• Experience with file sharing and security protocols, including hardening of NFS or similar technologies.

• Strong communication skills to clearly convey security requirements, risks, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Work Environment

The role centers on securing complex, mission-critical systems that run on Linux operating systems in Red Hat-based environments. You will work extensively with tools such as SELinux, USBGuard, firewalld, and related Linux security utilities, and you will engage with container platforms including Podman, Docker, and Kubernetes. The environment includes on-premises or cloud-like infrastructures that rely on PKI, secure communications, and hardened file sharing protocols such as NFS. Work is highly collaborative, involving close interaction with multiple engineering teams and disciplines in a structured, security-focused setting. The position emphasizes continuous learning and staying current with emerging vulnerabilities and threats, and it offers the opportunity to shape enterprise-wide security practices while working on sophisticated naval systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $75.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Manassas,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.